Troubleshooting common issues

• Students pick the easiest task every time:
  • Strategy: require students to try the easier tier then reteach and offer incentive of “level up” if they demonstrate mastery.
  • Use learning contracts that encourage risk with support.
• Too many students in one tier:
  • Strategy: prepare flexible sub‑tasks or compact instruction for that group, or create mixed‑ability peer coaching pairs.
• Tasks are too hard (lots of blank faces):
  • Strategy: check prior knowledge again; add a scaffolded mini‑lesson or pair students for peer support.
• Assessment gaps:
  • Strategy: use quick exit ticket data to adjust tiers next lesson; incorporate reteach stations.

Quick rubric idea (one rubric for all tiers — different levels of depth)

Criteria

• Understanding of concept (1–4)
• Use of evidence or data (1–4)
• Communication & clarity (1–4)
• Application / transfer (1–4)

Set descriptors so that Bronze meets level 2, Silver level 3, Gold level 4. That way everyone is assessed by the same dimensions.